Philosophy of Christian Education
Believing that Christ has commanded His church to go forth and teach His doctrines (Matt. 28:19, II Tim. 2:2), Grace Baptist Church has instituted a variety of educational ministries, including, but not exclusive to, Sunday School, Grace Christian School, AWANA, Vacation Bible School, and Summer Camp to teach men and women, boys and girls God’s Word and to assist them in applying God’s truth to their lives.
Knowing that the reverential respect of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:100, that He is the source of all knowledge and truth (Col. 2:3, Prov. 2:6), that the universe is the result of His creation (Gen. 1:1, John 1:1-5, Heb. 11:3), that He works within the history of mankind to fulfill His purposes (Dan. 2:20-22), and that He has revealed Himself through the Living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:1-4), and His written Word, the Bible (II Tim. 3:16), these ministries offer courses of study based on and centered in the Bible, which are taught by born-again teachers empowered by the Holy Spirit, called by the Lord into these teaching positions and sacrificially dedicated to His service.
Realizing the purpose of true education is to train a person to serve the Lord (II Tim. 2:15, 17, Ecc. 12:13, Rom. 12:1), these ministries seek to bring each child and adult to a realization of their inborn sinful nature (Rom. 3:23) and an understanding of their need to be related to God as His child through the sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus Christ for their sins (John 20:31, John 3:16-18, Gal. 3:26), to instill within them both the proper values and attitudes (I Cor. 10:31, Col. 3:23) and the knowledge they need to be contributing citizens of the community, faithful servants of God through His church (Heb. 10:25) and testimonies for the Lord Jesus Christ in a sinful world (Matt. 5:16, Phil. 2:15-16, I Tim. 4:12).
Recognizing that children belong to God (Psalm 127:3) and are given to parents (Gen. 30:1-2, Heb. 2:13) who are responsible to the Lord for their education (Eph. 6:4, Deut. 4:9-10), these ministries assist parents in carrying out their responsibilities and are available to all who seek to train up their children according to God’s commands (Prov. 22:6, Deut. 32:46, Psalm 78:1-8).
Acknowledging that God has called forth these ministries in this local assembly of believers, known as Grace Baptist Church, and that He has guided and led in their development, we give Him the praise and make it our earnest prayer that, through the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, He will keep us true to His Word as we carry out these responsibilities He has laid upon us, to fulfill His purpose of training men and women, boys and girls in His ways to His honor and glory.